The bass part for the Adagio from Bach's Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 has been edited by Paul Ellison, in-demand double bassist, professor, presenter, and former Houston Symphony Orchestra principal bassist of 23 years. Ellison's bowings, fingerings and other editorial markings have been added throughout the score.

Bach's two surviving violin concertos were composed during his time in the service of the Prince of Anhalt-Cöthen. The E major concerto has been described as being "full of an unconquerable joy of life, that sings in the triumph of the first and last movements." It is comprised of three movements: Allegro, Adagio, and Allegro assai. The central Adagio carries a deeply mournful instrumental aria of unique beauty, with the solo violin intricately woven in and around a quiet ostinato in the bass instruments.

Download and print the score today to gain access to expertly edited Bach Orchestral Suite No. 2 bass fingerings and bowings for the Adagio movement from Paul Ellison!

Please note: This edition is the Adagio only.

Dear bassist or interested party,

All my editing is done in the spirit of "living editions." They are never finished or to be considered set in stone.  Bowings, articulations, fingerings, dynamics and phrasings may change with conductors, historical performance considerations, change of instrument, bow or strings, differing venues, individual physical considerations, change of climate or altitude not to mention additional acquired knowledge or change in personal taste. Asking oneself to have about five ways to play most passages seems to cover the fluctuating circumstances mentioned in addition to giving oneself reason and context for choices to be made. Each set of performances of any major work is likely to prompt some change(s). The very nature and future of music as an art form demands live, dynamic, fresh interpretations which frequently necessitates realizing that there actually is no "rule book" and that the "bass police" will never actually show up.

Please accept this editing in the spirit of knowing that our skills and abilities are in constant flux and may require many possibilities. Here's to great music making.

-Paul Ellison